Vivek Ranadive Suggests Sacramento Kings Play Four On Five Defense

It’s no secret that Sacramento Kings owner Vivek Ranadive likes to think outside of the box. He’s done it with his former software company Tibco and currently does so with the Kings as he continues to turn his franchise into a global operation.

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But could Vivek Ranadive actually change the way the game is played?

While it sounds crazy on the surface, the Sacramento Kings owner allegedly talked to the front office about potentially playing 4-on-5 defense this season according to Grantland.

"Owner Vivek Ranadivé has pitched the idea to the team’s brain trust of playing 4-on-5 defense and leaving one player to cherry-pick, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter."

As you may recall, Ranadive who knew little about the game when coaching his daughter’s basketball team angered parents by putting math on the table and simply playing absurdly tough defense in a league that normally didn’t play such a way.

Could he be attempting to shape the way the NBA plays their game as well?

The idea of playing such a style of basketball doesn’t seem possible though Ranadive could be attempting to play the percentages. While the opposition would score more efficiently facing a four-on-five defense they won’t be accurate all the time. On the flip side a player cherry-picking on the opposing side of the court would likely get lay-up after lay-up assuming the outlet passes were favorable.

For what it’s worth, the Kings will not be using this new formula this season though Grantland does note it’s possible the Reno Big Horns could potentially give it a trial run.